Start off line. You need a good program to start. A good foundation. I'm serious. Especially if you plan to learn without a teacher or mentor.
Step2
Then move online. BBC languages (see in the resources section for more info) is a great place to start. Then move on.
Step3
Don't try to read newspapers and hope you understand some words. Reading newspapers in German is not for beginners. Forget it until you get to some higher level.
Tips & Warnings
Don't be frustrated. This is not supposed to be easy. After all, you're learning a new language, and developing new way of thinking.
I repeat, having a good foundation is ESSENTIAL. I struggled over 2 years hopelessly without having foundation. Then, within a month I've learned it all. If I can do it, you can do it too.
Enthusiast 
Comments
larryamber said
on 2/2/2008 you should give www.rocketgerman.org a try. it makes learning german easy
larryamber said
on 2/2/2008 you can also try www.rocketgerman.org
KonaGirl said
on 11/19/2007 Thanks for the links and recommendations for learning German online.
KonaGirl said
on 11/19/2007 Thanks for the links and recommendations for learning German online.